Actuating a tactile sensation in response to a sensed event

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for actuating a tactile stimulation in response to detecting a specific event associated with exposure to a particular environmental or physiological condition are described herein. A tactile stimulation device, according to one of several implementations, comprises a sensing layer, an actuating layer, and an adhesive layer. The sensing layer, which is sensitive to exposure to a particular condition, is configured to sense when a specific event associated with exposure to the particular condition occurs. The actuating layer is configured to provide a tactile stimulation to a human subject when the specific event occurs. The adhesive layer is configured to affix the sensing layer and actuating layer with respect to a surface portion of the skin of the human subject such that the human subject can sense the tactile stimulation provided by the actuating layer. The sensing layer, actuating layer, and adhesive layer can be bonded together to form a relatively flat structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/019,213, filed on Jan. 24, 2008, the specification of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to devices for sensingenvironmental or physiological conditions. More particularly the presentdisclosure relates to providing a tactile sensation in response tosensing an event associated with such a condition.

BACKGROUND

Sunbathers wanting to achieve a good tan without burning are oftenunaware of the proper amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that they areactually receiving from the sun. Because of various factors regardingthe direction and angle of the rays of the sun with respect to the skinof a sunbather, the amount of actual UV radiation can dynamically changeover time. Also, reflections of the sun's rays off of sand, water, snow,etc. can increase the effect of the UV rays. Attempting to gauge thelevel of UV exposure can therefore be an unpredictable process withundesirable results.

In many cases, a sunbather may attempt to judge the amount of UVexposure by estimating or measuring a certain amount of time. However,because the level of UV exposure does not necessarily correlate to time,this technique is not always accurate. Another technique for monitoringUV exposure is by using a special meter that measures radiation levels.With this device, a sunbather can enter a certain desired amount ofexposure and the device will provide an indication signal when thatexposure level has been reached.

However, at least one disadvantage of these types of UV exposure metersis that they must be carried around wherever the sunbather goes. Also,without adequately charged batteries, the device may not be poweredsufficiently for proper operation. Also, the device must be set up in aplace that has similar radiation exposure as that of the sunbather. Itwould therefore be desirable to overcome these and other shortcomings ofthe conventional systems and methods.

SUMMARY

Tactile stimulation devices are described in the present disclosure forproviding a tactile stimulation in response to the occurrence of aspecific event associated with a sensed condition. In one of severalpossible embodiments, a tactile stimulation device comprises a sensinglayer that is sensitive to exposure to a particular condition. Thesensing layer is configured to sense when a specific event associatedwith exposure to the particular condition occurs. The tactilestimulation device also includes an actuating layer configured toprovide a tactile stimulation to a human subject when the specific eventoccurs. Furthermore, the tactile stimulation device comprises anadhesive layer configured to affix the sensing layer and actuating layerwith respect to a surface portion of the skin of the human subject suchthat the human subject can sense the tactile stimulation provided by theactuating layer. In some embodiments, the sensing layer, actuatinglayer, and adhesive layer are bonded together to form a relatively flatstructure.

Other features, advantages, and implementations of the presentdisclosure, not expressly disclosed herein, will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that such impliedimplementations of the present disclosure be included herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the following figures are not necessarily drawn toscale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the generalprinciples of the present disclosure. Reference characters designatingcorresponding components are repeated as necessary throughout thefigures for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a tactilestimulation device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment ofthe sensing element shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment ofthe sensing element shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of atactile stimulation device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment ofa tactile stimulation device.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate cross-sectional side views of otherembodiments of tactile stimulation devices.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate cross-sectional side views of yet otherembodiments of tactile stimulation devices.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method ofmanufacturing one or more of the tactile stimulation devices of FIGS.4-7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Tactile stimulation devices and methods of manufacturing these tactilestimulation devices are described herein. The tactile stimulationdevices of the present disclosure are designed to sense an exposure toan environmental condition, e.g. ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or aphysiological condition, e.g. heart rate. At the occurrence of aspecific event associated with the sensed environmental or physiologicalcondition, a tactile stimulation is provided to a subject, e.g. human,to indicate that the specific event has occurred.

The elements of the tactile stimulation devices described herein can beintegrated into a relatively small unit. In some embodiments, theelements may include relatively thin layers bonded together to form asubstantially planar unit. Furthermore, the tactile stimulation devicesmay be formed on flexible layer to allow the devices to conform to thesurface on which they are placed.

The tactile stimulation devices are capable of providing enough power tooperate for a limited amount of time, depending on the particularapplication. In some cases, the amount of stored energy is sufficientfor a one-time use, but in other cases, the devices can be usedrepeatedly. Since the devices are self-powered, the user does not haveto worry about adding batteries or other power sources. Furthermore, thedevices can be manufactured relatively inexpensively and can thereforebe disposed of after use.

In some embodiments, the tactile stimulation devices may include anadhesive that is capable of holding the device adjacent to or on aperson's skin. In this respect, the device may have an appearance thatis similar to a person's skin such as some forms of an adhesivebandages. Since it can be affixed to the skin, the device can be used toaccurately sense certain physiological conditions or even environmentalconditions that are also experienced by the user. In contrast to theconventional systems that use a bulky UV meter that may requirerelocation, the tactile stimulation devices of the present disclosureare present with the user as long as they stay attached and thereforethere is less need for the user to worry about location since itexperiences substantially the same exposure as the skin surrounding theattached device.

Although many examples described in the present disclosure relate tomonitoring a level of UV radiation for people concerned about sunexposure, it should be understood that the teachings of the presentdisclosure may also encompass applications where other environmental orphysiological conditions are monitored. Such other applications willbecome apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from anunderstanding of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a tactile stimulation device 10 accordingto one embodiment. In this embodiment, tactile stimulation device 10includes a sensing element 12, a processing element 14, a tactilesensation actuating element 16, a power supply 18, and an attachingelement 20. In some implementations, sensing element 12, processingelement 14, and tactile sensation actuating element 16 may be integratedin any desirable combination. For example, some implementations mayinclude a single element including the functionality of sensing element12 and processing element 14. Furthermore, power supply 18 may beintegrated with processing element 14 or another element.

Sensing element 12 includes any suitable materials, components,circuitry, reactive elements, etc., which are sensitive to or arecapable of sensing one or more environmental or physiologicalconditions. Sensing element 12 can also be in the form of a specializedpaint that is sensitive to certain conditions. In this regard, thematerial may alternatively be configured to change from opaque totransparent, or vice versa. The transparency change may in some cases bean irreversible change. In some embodiments, sensing element 12 includesa disintegrating or decomposing material that disintegrates in responseto exposure to a particular condition. In some instances, sensingelement 12 includes a radio frequency (RF) receiver for sensing RFsignals. In each instance, however, sensing element 12 is designed tospecifically sense an exposure to a particular condition.

When exposed to the particular condition, sensing element 12 may furthermonitor the occurrence of a specific event associated with the exposureto the particular condition. For example, in the case of monitoring UVradiation, sensing element 12 may be configured to be sensitive to UVradiation, and a specific event related to monitoring UV radiation maybe defined by a particular point in time when the amount of UV radiationreaches a predetermined threshold. When the specific event is detectedby sensing element 12, a signal is provided to processing element 14 forfurther processing.

Sensing element 12 may be configured in any suitable manner to sense oneor more of any number of possible environmental or physiologicalconditions, depending on the application. Non-limiting examples ofpossible environmental conditions sensed by sensing element 12 includesensing radiation, such as UV radiation (UVA rays, UVB rays, etc.),radiation within the visible light spectrum, x-ray radiation, etc. Withrespect to applications involving the sensing of radiation, sensingelement 12 may be configured to sense when a specific level of radiationhas been reached. In this case, the specific event as mentioned aboverelates to a specific accumulated level of radiation exposure over alength of time. In other implementations, the specific event may simplybe defined by any initial exposure to particular types of radiationbeing monitored. Other non-limiting examples of conditions that can besensed by sensing element 12 include the sensing of oxygen, moisture,humidity, ambient temperature, etc.

Examples of sensing physiological conditions include sensing bodytemperature, heart rate, blood sugar, perspiration, etc. In theseexamples, the specific event to be determined may be the detection of alevel or value that is outside a normal or acceptable range or thedetection of the condition reaching a predetermined threshold.

In one embodiment in which body temperature is sensed, sensing element12 can be configured to track a woman's skin temperature over a periodof time. By monitoring a woman's basal body temperature (BBT), anestimation of the time of ovulation can be made. Because of the patternof temperature changes before, during, and after ovulation, tactilesensation actuating element 16 can be configured to indicate when thewoman is likely the most fertile. Normally, a woman's BBT is lower(97°-97.5° F.) prior to ovulation and increases by about one-half of adegree to one degree during ovulation. After ovulation, menstruationbegins and BBT falls. Sensing element 12 or processing element 14 can bedesigned to monitor BBT to determine an increased likelihood ofconception. Tactile sensation actuating element 16 can be configured toprovide a haptic sensation at the beginning of ovulation, at the end ofovulation, or both.

Sensing element 12 sends a signal to processing element 14 when thespecific event occurs. In other embodiments, sensing element 12 maycontinually provide values of a sensed parameter to processing element14, which, in this case, determines when the specific event occurs.Sensing element 12 and processing element 14 communicate with each otherusing any suitable transmission lines or wireless communicationcomponents. When processing element 14 receives an indication of theoccurrence of the specific event or determines the occurrence of thespecific event itself, processing element 14 sends a command to tactilesensation actuating element 16 to provide a tactile stimulation to theintended subject.

Processing element 14 may include any suitable combination of digitaland/or analog components. In some embodiments, processing element 14 maybe printed on a thin layer, such as a tape. The printing process to formelement 14 may include lithographic or other suitable form of printing.Processing element 14 in some cases may be embedded or integrated withsensing element 12 and/or tactile sensation actuating element 16.

In response to the command to provide a tactile stimulation, tactilesensation actuating element 16 provides the subject with a stimulationthat is strong enough to be felt or sensed by the subject. Thestimulation may have a short duration depending on the type ofstimulation provided and the amount of charge stored in power supply 18.One example of a type of stimulation provided by the tactile sensationactuating element 16 is an electrical stimulation. For example, theelectrical stimulation may be a high voltage pulse, an electrostaticdischarge, an electrical current, or other suitable type of electricallygenerated sensation. In other implementations, the tactile stimulationmay be a chemical stimulation, such as the application of a chemicalcompound that causes a temporarily yet noticeable discomfort orirritation of the skin.

Tactile sensation actuating element 16 may provide other types oftactile stimulation to the subject. For example, tactile sensationactuating element 16 may include a piezoelectric component that vibratesin response to a voltage. In still another example, tactile sensationactuating element 16 may contain a deformable material that expands orcontracts in response to an electrical or chemical stimulus. In thiscase, the deformable material, when attached to the skin of a human, canprovide a stretching or compressing sensation to the human when itshrinks or expands. Other suitable types of tactile stimulations can beprovided by tactile sensation actuating element 16 as desired.

In one embodiment, power supply 18 is a self-sufficient device that doesnot rely on external power sources. Power supply 18 supplies power tosensing element 12, processing element 14, and/or tactile sensationactuating element 16 as needed. Particularly, power supply 18 provides ahigh electrical pulse to tactile sensation actuating element 16 to allowthis element to apply a pulse-type stimulation to the subject. Powersupply 18 may include any suitable type of power generating components.For example, power supply 18 may rely on a chemical reaction, similar tothe chemical reaction within a battery, for providing power. Anotherexample of the configuration of power supply 18 includes the generationof power by a radioactive reaction. In addition, other implementationsof power supply 18 may include the use of a barrier material separatingtwo inert chemical or radioactive components that can chemically orradioactively react when combined. To initiate the reaction in thiscase, the barrier material can be disintegrated using some type ofstimulus, thereby breaking the barrier between the reacting components.

The distribution of power provided by power supply 18 may includespecific initiation factors for determining when to provide power toother elements of tactile stimulation device 10. Power supply 18 mightbegin providing power when sensing element 12 is to begin sensingexposure to the particular condition. On the other hand, power supply 18may begin providing power when the specific event associated with theparticular condition is detected. In other embodiments, power supply 18may supply a first amount of power when sensing element 12 is to beginsensing and supply a second amount of power when the specific eventoccurs.

Some implementations of power supply 18 include storing power or anelectrical charge from the environment. For example, power supply 18 mayinclude solar cells for absorbing energy from the sun. In otherembodiments, power supply 18 may inductively store charge from externalRF signals or electromagnetic fields. In one embodiment, power supply 18can store about 10 minutes of charge in an internal capacitor. In stillother implementations, power supply 18 may include amicro-electromechanical system (MEMS). As a MEMS device, power supply 18can leverage user motion to capture and store energy and may contain,for example, micro-springs or other suitable devices for providingphysical forces on a small scale.

Tactile stimulation device 10 of FIG. 1 further includes attachingelement 20. However, an attaching element may be omitted in embodimentsin which tactile stimulation device 10 can be held in the hand of asubject or placed in a pocket of a subject's clothing. In these cases, atactile stimulation provided by tactile sensation actuating element 16can still be felt by the subject without attachment to the subject'sskin or clothing.

Generally, attaching element 20 is configured to affix or hold theelements of tactile stimulation device 10 close to, adjacent to, or incontact with the subject, e.g., a surface portion of the skin of a humansubject. By attaching on the skin or holding against the skin, forexample, the subject can more easily feel a tactile stimulation. In someembodiments, it may be necessary to use attaching element 20 to attachthe tactile stimulation device 10 directly to the skin, such as in thecase of a chemical-type stimulation. In some situations, tactilestimulation device 10 can be attached or held against a portion of skinunderneath a garment. This situation may be acceptable when the garmentdoes not adversely affect the sensitivity of sensing element 12 to theparticular condition being monitored. The scope of the presentdisclosure may further include a garment specially designed with a holeor cut-out section through which tactile stimulation device 10 can beattached to the skin and exposed to the particular environmentalcondition.

In some embodiments, attaching element 20 includes an adhesive materialfor attaching to a subject or to a garment worn by the subject. In otherembodiments, attaching element 20 may include a band of material havinga fastening mechanism. In this case, the band may be wrapped around afinger, wrist, arm, ankle, leg, etc., and the fastening mechanism mayinclude an adhesive material, clip, Velcro™, etc. Instead of including afastening mechanism, as an alternative, the band of material may simplybe tied around a portion of the body of the subject. In someembodiments, attaching element 20 may include fastening means forfastening the elements of tactile stimulation device 10 to a garmentusing a clip, pin, etc. The fastening means may be of a type designedfor long term attachment, such as by the use of stitches sewn betweentactile stimulation device 10 and a garment.

Specialized applications of tactile stimulation device 10, in additionto corresponding structure, is further described here. As suggestedabove, sensing element 12 can sense electromagnetic radiation within anydesirable frequency spectrum. Regarding UV radiation, tactilestimulation device 10 can indicate when sensing element 12 is exposed toa certain level of UV radiation. The sensitivity of sensing element 12from one tactile stimulation device 10 to another can be set atdifferent levels depending on the particular application. In this way,one tactile stimulation device can provide an indication of a firstlevel of tanning while another tactile stimulation device can provide anindication of a second level of tanning. Tactile stimulation device 10can also be used to sense certain exposure levels of other types ofradiation, such as visible light radiation, x-ray radiation, etc.

Sensing element 12 may include an RF identification (RFID) tag and maybe configured to detect RF signals. Applications in this respect mayinclude, for example, a queue indication system, proximity sensorsystem, wireless feedback for gaming modules, etc. The queue indicationsystem, as mentioned herein, may refer to a tactile indication whensomeone's turn in line has come up. In this way, only the person wearingthe respective tactile stimulation device receives the private tactilestimulation to indicate that it is his or her turn to receive service,i.e. at a restaurant or store.

The proximity sensor system, as mentioned herein, may refer to a systemwhere a central RF transmitter provides a constant signal. When thestrength of the received signal by sensing element 12 decreases below apredetermined threshold, a tactile stimulation can be provided toindicate that the user is too far from the central transmitter. Thisimplementation can be used in a manner similar to an “invisible” fencefor training pets or small children to stay within certain parameters.The proximity sensor system can also be used in a manner to detect whenRF receiver of sensing element 12 receives RF signal having a strengththat exceeds normal levels. In this case, the system could be used toprovide a tactile stimulation if someone gets too close to a centraltransmitter, which may be located near items that are meant not to bedisturbed.

Another application of tactile stimulation device 10 can be forproviding a private “alarm clock”, timer, metronome, or other clockingdevice for an individual wearing the device. In this application, thesensing element 12 may simply detect the occurrence of an initiatingevent. For example, removing a protective layer from tactile stimulationdevice 10 may cause a reaction that defines the initiating event. Theinitiating event may also include the first detection of anenvironmental condition, such as radiation of some type. The initiatingevent can then be used to start a clock or timer, which may be part ofprocessing element 14, for example. The clock or timer may be configuredto count down for a certain period of time, e.g. five minutes, tenminutes, 30 minutes, etc. The specific event in this case occurs afterthe elapsed time and a tactile stimulation can be provided to indicatethe elapse of the certain time period. Other applications involving aclock or timer may include providing tactile stimulation of a steadybeat or rhythm for use by a musician or for pacing a runner's gait.

Other applications of tactile stimulation device 10 include measuringone or more conditions of a human, such as body temperature, heart rate,heart rhythms, blood sugar, or other conditions or vitals of the humanbody. In this case, any of these or other particular conditions can besensed by sensing element 12. If the level or value of the conditionfalls outside of a normal or acceptable range, the tactile sensationactuating element 16 can provide a warning to the user that thecondition is abnormal. Since such an application may be essential forthe health of the person, a strong tactile stimulation may be providedin this case that would not be easily missed.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of sensing element 12 shown inFIG. 1 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, sensing element12 includes a first layer 22 and a second layer 24. First layer 22 isdesigned with a particular thickness and sensitivity to graduallydisintegrate or decompose when exposed to a particular condition. Afterbeing exposed to the particular condition for a length of time, firstlayer 22 is designed to completely disintegrate or to disintegrate tosuch a degree that second layer 24 is exposed. When the degree ofdisintegration of first layer 22 reaches a particular threshold, secondlayer 24 is exposed and senses that the exposure to the particularcondition has reached the threshold. Notification can then be providedto processing element 14 for processing or for instructing tactilesensation actuating element 16 to provide a tactile stimulation.

Regarding the embodiments involving exposure to radiation, when firstlayer 22 disintegrates after a certain amount of exposure to theradiation, the subject, e.g. human, receives the tactile stimulationthat is meant to alert the human that exposure has reached a particularlevel. For a sunbather, for example, this may mean that it is time tostop sunbathing. The thickness or sensitivity of first layer 22 candefine the amount of UV exposure before the tactile stimulation isprovided. In this respect, first layer 22 of different tactilestimulation devices can be grouped depending on thickness orsensitivity. Thus, a sunbather can have a choice of different levels ofUV exposure. Someone desiring a darker tan may use a device having athicker or less sensitive first layer 22, while someone desiring alighter tan may use a device having a thinner or more sensitive firstlayer 22.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of sensing element 12 shown inFIG. 1 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, sensing element12 includes an RF receiver 26 and communication ports 28. RF receiver 26is tuned to receive RF signals from an external transmitter that can beused in conjunction with the tactile stimulation devices describedherein. In this case, RF receiver 26 is sensitive to RF signals within aparticular frequency band. RF receiver 26 may also be designed to detecta value carried in the RF signal that identifies the respective device.For example, in the embodiment where the tactile stimulation device isused in a queue indication system, such as for waiting a turn at arestaurant or store, RF receiver 26 may be sensitive to only thosevalues that pertain to that device. Otherwise, values for other deviceswould indicate other people's turns.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate embodiments of tactile stimulation devices that areconfigured to sense a particular condition and determine when a specificevent occurs with respect to exposure to the particular condition. Inresponse to determining the specific event, the tactile stimulationdevices actuate a tactile sensation for a subject, e.g. human. Theelement described in the embodiments of

FIGS. 4-7 may be related to elements with respect to tactile stimulationdevice 10 of FIG. 1 and may include similar respective functions.However, in these embodiments, the elements of the tactile stimulationsdevices are formed as relatively thin layers. When bonded together, theelements can form a multi-layered tape that can be either flexible orrigid. For the sake of illustrating certain aspects, FIGS. 4-7 do notnecessarily include all elements that may be present. It should beunderstood that certain portions, elements, aspects of each embodimentof FIGS. 4-7 may also be included in other embodiments as well.

These tactile stimulation devices can be one-use, disposable-typedevices or, in the alternative, can be reusable. Because they can beconfigured on a small scale, the tactile stimulation can provide aprivate indication for the wearer only. When embodied as a tape, thedevices can be provided on a roll or sheet and can be separated asneeded. In addition, the tactile stimulation devices can include anyshape, design, colors, patterns, etc., and may have figures thereon,similar to images of a tattoo.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a tactile stimulation device 30according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, tactile stimulationdevice 30 includes a sensing layer 32, processing layer 34, actuatinglayer 36, and adhesive layer 38. In some embodiments, tactilestimulation device 30 may also include a removable layer 40 thatprotects adhesive layer 38 until the user is ready to use tactilestimulation device 30. Also, tactile stimulation device 30 may alsoinclude another removable layer 42 that protects sensing layer 32 untilready for use. Removable layer 42 may be designed to specificallyprevent exposure of the particular condition to which sensing layer 32is sensitive. In some embodiments, removable layer 42 may trigger aninitiating event when removed, thereby indicating a start of the sensedcondition or the start of a certain time period.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a tactile stimulation device 50according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, tactile stimulationdevice 50 includes a sensing layer 52, processing layer 54, actuatinglayer 56, and one or more adhesive layers 58. Tactile stimulation device50 also includes a laminate layer 60 that protects the layers fromundesired environmental conditions. In this embodiment, adhesive layers58 may be positioned to the side of actuating layer 56 in order thatactuating layer 56 can be in direct contact with the skin. Otherconfigurations can be used for positioning actuating layer 56 near or incontact with the skin.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view of a tactile stimulation device70 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, tactile stimulationdevice 70 includes a sensing layer 72, processing layer 74, actuatinglayer 76, and adhesive layer 78. Tactile stimulation device 70 in thiscase includes sensing layer 72 and actuating layer 76 in the same layeror next to each other at the same height. This configuration may bebeneficial to allow sensing layer 72 to be closer to the skin when thesensed condition corresponds to a physiological condition. In thisarrangement, sensing layer 72 might be able to more easily detect theparticular physiologic condition. Also, the configuration of thisembodiment places actuating layer 76 close to or against the skin suchthat a tactile stimulation can be more easily felt by the person.

FIG. 6B is similar to FIG. 6A and illustrates a cross-sectional sideview of a tactile stimulation device 80 according to another embodiment.In this embodiment tactile stimulation device 80 includes a sensinglayer 82, processing layer 84, one or more actuating layers 86, andadhesive layer 88. Again, sensing layer 82 and actuating layers 86 arepositioned closest to the skin for greater communication with thephysiological conditions and nerve endings of the skin. In thisarrangement, however, sensing layer 82 is centralized to allow a moreprecise positioning of the device on a particular portion of the bodyfor detecting a certain physiological condition.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional side view of a tactile stimulation device90 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, tactile stimulationdevice 90 includes a sensing layer 92, processing layer 94, actuatinglayer 96, and adhesive layer 98. Tactile stimulation device 90 includessensing layer 92 and processing layer 94 next to each other at the sameheight.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a tactile stimulationdevice 100 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, tactilestimulation device 100 includes a sensing/processing layer 102,actuating layer 106, and adhesive layer 108. Sensing/processing layer102 may have the same functions as each of the sensing layers andprocessing layers as described above. This arrangement may be used whenthe sensing and processing functions are integrated together or can becombined together. These and other arrangements may be used forminiaturizing the tactile stimulation devices while providing thefunctions described herein.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a tactilestimulation device according to one embodiment. As indicated in block110, an actuating layer is provided. In block 112, a processing layer isbonded on a first surface of the actuating layer. In block 114, asensing layer is bonded on a first surface of the processing layer.Generally, these blocks describe the forming of a multi-layered devicefor sensing a specific event associated with an exposure to a particularenvironmental or physiological condition. As suggested above, othermethods of manufacturing a tactile stimulation device having these threeelements or layers can be realized from an understanding of thedescription of FIGS. 4-7. Blocks 116-120 in some embodiments may beomitted from the manufacturing process if desired.

In block 116, an adhesive layer is applied to a second surface of theactuating layer. In block 118, a removable protective layer is appliedto the adhesive layer. In some embodiments, a second removableprotective layer may be applied to the sensing layer for protecting thesensing layer before use. In block 120, a laminate is formed over theactuating, processing, and sensing layers. It should be understood thatone or more of the steps, processes, and/or operations described hereinmay be executed substantially simultaneously or in a different orderthan explicitly described, as would be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art.

The embodiments described herein merely represent examples ofimplementations and are not intended to necessarily limit the presentdisclosure to any specific embodiments. Instead, various modificationscan be made to these embodiments as would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art. Any such modifications are intended to beincluded within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

1. A tactile stimulation device comprising: a first element that issensitive to exposure to a particular condition; a tactile sensationactuating element configured to provide a tactile stimulation to asubject when a specific event associated with exposure to the particularcondition occurs; and an attaching element configured to affix the firstelement and tactile sensation actuating element with respect to thesubject such that the subject can sense the tactile stimulation providedby the tactile sensation actuating element.
 2. The tactile stimulationdevice of claim 1, further comprising a processing element, wherein theprocessing element is configured to analyze the exposure of the firstelement to the particular condition and to determine when the specificevent occurs.
 3. The tactile stimulation device of claim 1, wherein thefirst element is configured to determine when the specific event occurs.4. The tactile stimulation device of claim 1, wherein the tactilestimulation provided to the subject comprises one of an electricalstimulation, a chemical stimulation, a piezoelectric stimulation, or acompressing or expanding force provided by a deforming material.
 5. Thetactile stimulation device of claim 1, wherein the attaching elementcomprises at least one of an adhesive or a band having a fasteningmechanism.
 6. The tactile stimulation device of claim 5, wherein theattaching element comprises means for fastening to a garment worn by thesubject.
 7. The tactile stimulation device of claim 1, furthercomprising a power supply, wherein the power supply includes the mixingof inert chemical components or inert radioactive components to create achemical or radioactive reaction.
 8. The tactile stimulation device ofclaim 7, wherein the power supply further comprises a barrier separatingthe inert chemical components or inert radioactive components, thebarrier being configured to disintegrate when a predetermined eventoccurs.
 9. A tactile stimulation device of claim 1, wherein the sensingelement comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layerbeing configured to disintegrate when exposed to the particularcondition.
 10. The tactile stimulation device of claim 9, wherein thespecific event is the complete disintegration of the first layer.
 11. Amethod for manufacturing tactile stimulation tape, the methodcomprising: providing an actuating layer that is capable of creating atactile stimulation to a human subject; bonding a processing layer onthe actuating layer; and bonding a sensing layer on the processinglayer; wherein the sensing layer is capable of sensing the occurrence ofa specific event associated with an exposure of the sensing layer to aparticular condition.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:applying an adhesive layer on the actuating layer, the adhesive layeradapted to affix the tactile stimulation tape with respect to a surfaceportion of the skin of the human subject such that the human subject cansense a tactile stimulation created by the actuating layer.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising: applying a removable protectivelayer on the adhesive layer; applying a removable protective layer onthe sensing layer; and forming a laminate layer over the actuatinglayer, processing layer, and sensing layer.